AGAINST THE TIDE MEDIA INTERVIEW

Anthony Perrelli, with Against the Tide Media, sits down with your favorite snacking Roman, Elijah Alexander, to discuss his role as Atticus Amelius Pulcher on The Chosen. In this interview, Elijah shares about his family and religious background, the research he has put into his role on The Chosen, and the perspective his character brings to the show. He also answers all sorts of fan inquiries, including the frequently asked question of why Atticus is always eating and snacking in episodes.

Click on the image to watch this fascinating and entertaining interview.

ChosenCon 2024! Will you be there?

Elijah is excited to attend #ChosenCon 2024
this September 20-21 in Orlando, FL!

Will you be there?
For virtual and in-person tickets, visit ChosenCon.com.

Reviews of Aurora Theatre’s 'Lifespan of a Fact

Intimate. Intriguing. Insouciant.

An intern at a top magazine is given the assignment of a lifetime – fact-checking a masterpiece by a legendary essayist. What the no-nonsense editor means as a simple task becomes a hilarious misadventure when it becomes clear that most of the facts in the essay are embellished, adjusted, or just made up. The essay is brilliant, but has the essayist undermined his own work or revealed a deeper truth by playing fast and loose to make his point? Facts battle with truth when the intern bucks his instructions and confronts the essayist in this Broadway hit.

This summer, you’ll find Elijah at the Aurora Theatre in Berkeley, CA in the role of John D’Agata in ‘The Lifespan of a Fact’. If you can’t attend in person, you don’t have to miss out! You can also purchase tickets for online streamed productions.

‘The Lifespan of a Fact’ continues through July 21 at Aurora Theatre Company, 2081 Addison St., Berkeley. Tickets are $17 to $40 at Auroratheatre.org 

REVIEWS

‘Lifespan of a Fact’ amusingly, pointedly explores the validity of truth.

Elijah Alexander, Carrie Paff and Hernán Angulo are excellent in Aurora Theatre Company’s production of ‘The Lifespan of a Fact’... Elijah Alexander’s John is the sort of truculent, self-satisfied important-writer-person you’d expect—the play soon enough turns serious. “The facts get in the way of the story!’’ roars John, which sounds ridiculous—at first. “I’m not interested in accuracy. I’m interested in truth,” he says.

As “Lifespan” moves on, under Jessica Holt’s astute direction, from funny to provocative to deeply touching, it proves to be insightful and intellectually stimulating, revealing to ourselves bits and pieces of our own confused thought processes. Aurora, with its intimate stage and superb actors and director, is perfectly suited for this kind of play.

Jean Schiffman, Bay City News Reviews

Superb Elijah Alexander plays John, the powerful writer who knows his own worth. He’s bullying, and dominant, and he shoots galaxies of insults at his young antagonist. He explains, condescendingly, that his essay is NOT subject to mere fact checking; and he arrogantly claims to be going for a ‘Bigger Truth.’

Moment by moment, this intriguing work brings surprising confrontations and contradictions. I highly recommend an evening with great actors and a stirring script that pierces to the heart of where we are now.

Barry David Horwitz, Theatrius Reviews

When political leaders speak baldfaced lies with straight faces, fake news often supplants truth. It is, therefore, a pleasure to relish The Lifespan of a Fact, an intelligent and funny play that explores the subject of journalistic integrity.

…imperious and difficult John, acted by an excellent Elijah Alexander (TV’s ‘The Chosen’, Aurora’s 2017 ‘The Real Thing’). …whose self-importance and aversion to having his work critiqued… has chosen his words artistically for the way they sound and the way they read.

…the audience leaves the theater, talking and thinking about all sides of the journalistic challenge while having been thoroughly entertained. I highly recommend The Lifespan of a Fact.

Emily S. Mendel, Berkeleyside

Elijah Alexander as John D’Agata is not just a pompous blowhard, but an artist whose commitment to his work is everything. The defense of his work is not a bullet-pointed presentation but rather a winding story that slowly illuminates the world he inhabits. Alexander does not rush, but carefully allows the audience to discover his perspective in such a way that you might find yourself completely turned around. He’s hot, cold, erudite, stubborn, and always passionate, and Alexander brings him to life beautifully.

Kelly Rogers Flynt, Broadwayworld

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What’s New and Good?

Happy Holy Summer 2024 and Big Bless!

‘Spring’s Awakening’ found Elijah in Utah filming Season 5 of The Chosen. On hiatus now, shooting will continue through July in Dallas. In addition to this you can find ‘Atticus’ back onstage at the Aurora Theatre Company in Berkeley, starring as celebrated essayist John D’Agata in ‘Lifespan of a Fact’ playing through the end of July.  Also, Elijah is honored to have been invited to compete in this year’s Hermosa Beach triathlon in on August 11th - ‘Who Dares, Wins’

Audiobook narration recording for ‘The Muse of Freedom’ by Jules Larimore will start in August, available on Audible in September.

Elijah is now being represented by the amazing team at BRS/GAGE Agency. Good things!

Until next time, love & light!

“Luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity”
                                    Seneca

Hermosa Beach Triathlon on August 11th - ‘Who Dares, Wins’

THE CHOSEN TV SERIES

“BEING BAD NEVER LOOKED SO GOOD.” Catch Elijah Alexander once again in the role of the ever-inquisitive Atticus Aemilius, one of the many forces standing against Jesus in Season 4 of The Chosen. Experience the epic drama as it unfolds in theaters starting February 1st. Get your tickets today: fandan.co/TheChosen

Elijah Alexander as Atticus Aemilius in The Chosen.

The chosen: season 4 theatrical trailer

The Chosen Season 4 theatrical trailer.

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Atticus Aemilius

Catch Elijah as Atticus Aemilius in seasons 2, 3, & 4 of The Chosen. Available to watch on release at The Chosen TV app, Netflix, Prime Video, and Peacock.

Fan-ning the Flames of Spirited Gratitude

“I am truly grateful for my ever expanding new community of brothers and sisters. ‘The Chosen’ worldwide collective has been incredibly supportive, gracious and kind toward me and my contribution to this profoundly important project. Wishing all of you a deeply heartfelt thanks and blessings of continued love & light. ‘A thousand thousand’. Shalom Chaverim.” —Elijah Alexander

ELIJAH IN TIMON OF ATHENS AT THE UTAH SHAKESPEARE FESITIVAL

Elijah Alexander as Timon of Athens.

Elijah returns with glowing reviews in the lead role for Utah Shakespeare Festival’s production of Timon of Athens, running through Oct. 7, 2023. A play for our times, Timon of Athens is clever, satiric, and deeply moving as it explores friendship, wealth, and the foibles of a materialistic society.

Review by Lisa Larson at Iron County Reviews. Read more here for the full review.

“The story opens on a picture of wealth and luxury as Timon of Athens (played by Elijah Alexander) is surrounded by a party of flatterers who are anxious to receive all the money, jewels, and prizes which Timon readily bestows upon his presumed friends. Timon’s generosity seems to know no bounds, and soon he has spent himself into debt; only then does he learn his friends were of the fair-weather variety. When none will come to his aid in his time of financial need, he tricks them all into coming to another feast, and then drives them out of his house amid shouts and curses before fleeing to a voluntary exile in a cave where he meets his ultimate demise.”

“Filling the title role of this production, Alexander commanded the stage with his charm and jovial spirit in the first act, and even more so with his devastation and reviling hatred in the second. His remarkable presence was matched by a cast of incredible talent, each taking their turn in the spotlight, while also moving in harmony to support the rest of the cast.”

“Thankfully, Utah Shakespeare Festival is bringing Timon of Athens out of obscurity in the best way possible — and making it one of the season’s “don’t miss” plays.”

The Utah Shakespeare Festival production of Timon of Athens plays various dates at 2 PM or 8 PM through October 7 at the Anes Studio Theatre on the campus of Southern Utah University. Tickets are $60. For more information, visit bard.org.

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WHAT'S NEW

STARTING DEC. 22, 2022!

Check out the first episode of eight in Next Chapter’s Play On Podcast serial ‘The Winter’s Tale’ starring Elijah as King Leontes. 

Next Chapter & Play On Podcasts Presents
‘The Winter’s Tale’ by William Shakespeare
Adapted by Tracy Young

Alley Theatre Presents the Historical Drama “Camp David”

“I'm especially excited to welcome back Elijah Alexander who stunned Alley audiences with his powerful performance of Leontes in The Winter's Tale, who will now radically shift gears to play Anwar Sadat." – Rob Melrose

The Alley’s production of Camp David by Texas playwright Lawrence Wright is directed by Public Theater’s Artistic Director, Oskar Eustis 

The Alley Theatre and Artistic Director Rob Melrose will present a new production of Camp David by Texas playwright Lawrence Wright and directed by the Public Theater’s Artistic Director, Oskar Eustis. The Alley’s Associate Producer & Casting Director, Brandon Weinbrenner, will serve as the Assistant Director. Camp David runs February 14 - March 15 in the Neuhaus Theatre. 

In the tumultuous 1970s, Middle East peace seemed nearly as impossible as it does today. Yet during 13 days in 1978, Israeli Prime Minister Menachem Begin and Egyptian President Anwar Sadat, with the powerful help of U.S. President Jimmy Carter and First Lady Rosalynn Carter, hammered out an agreement that inspired the entire world. Wright’s play delivers a tremendously human look at both the hope and the cost of that historic moment. 

“Lawrence Wright is not only a wonderful playwright, he’s one of America’s greatest journalists. This play about the only successful peace treaty in the Mideast since the creation of Israel is revelatory, powerful, and immensely important,” said Oskar Eustis. “I am so proud to be working with Rob Melrose and the Alley in bringing this show to Houston.” 

"Camp David was already an exciting project with Pulitzer Prize-winning writer Lawrence Wright, Tony Award®-winning set designer David Rockwell, and director and American theatre legend Oskar Eustis. Now, by partnering with the casting department at the Public Theater in New York City, we have a stellar cast of actors to realize this important play,” said Rob Melrose. “I'm especially excited to welcome back Elijah Alexander who stunned Alley audiences with his powerful performance of Leontes in The Winter's Tale, who will now radically shift gears to play Anwar Sadat."

Elijah Alexander as Anwar Sadat

The cast includes Elijah Alexander (The Winter’s Tale) as Anwar Sadat, Rebecca Brooksher (The Monster at the Door, Public Theater: Love’s Labour’s Lost) as Rosalynn Carter, and four actors making their Alley debuts: Sam Khazai (Atlantic Theater Company: Tosca Tehran, Flea Theater: Echo & Narciss) as Mohammed Ibrahim Kamel, Jordan Lage (Broadway: Inherit the Wind, Glengarry Glen Ross) as Menachem Begin, Stephen Thorne (Resident Acting Company Member at Trinity Repertory Company: Othello, Little Shop of Horrors) as Jimmy Carter, and Mark Zimmerman (Broadway: Rocky, West Side Story) as Moshe Dayan. 

Camp David’s creative team includes Scenic Design by David Rockwell (Broadway: Kinky Boots, Tony Award®-winner for She Loves Me), Costume Design by Paul Tazewell (Tony Award®-winner for Hamilton), Lighting Design by Xavier Pierce (Oregon Shakespeare Festival: Shakespeare in Love), Sound. 

“…it’s not just reciting history or framing the debate; it’s also showing us how to understand why intractable adversaries might have lowered their guards, gazed at their bitterest enemy and begun to conceive of a way forward.” – Washington Post HOUSTON

Reviews of 'Watch on the Rhine’ at The GUTHRIE

Elijah is currently playing ‘Kurt Muller’ in Watch on the Rhine, which opened to great reviews at the Guthrie Theater in Minneapolis, MN this month.   Directed by Lisa Peterson, this production is being lauded as "a resonant political thriller” that "issues a clarion call for moral clarity”.   

"In many ways, the Lillian Hellman play sounds like something pulled from today's headlines … People must decide whether to fight for what is right or acquiesce to what is expedient.”
Star Tribune

This co-production is at the Guthrie through November 5th, 2017, and then at the Berkeley Rep from November 30th through January 14, 2018. 

"Elijah Alexander rises above the rest as Kurt. He provides a deeply moving and engrossing portrait of internal conflict, paternal care, human compassion, and political determination. His simultaneously subtle and powerful performance will stick with you long after the curtain drops—it is pitch-perfect from beginning to end. His work anchors the action as it races toward an astounding climax that creates thoughtful, emotional resonance."
How Was The Show

"The standout is Elijah Alexander in his Guthrie debut as Kurt. Alexander is swift, strong, troubled and resolute all at once. His quiet observation of the family drama unfolding before him conveys mountains with just a glance, and his bravado performance at the end does a lovely job of demonstrating the horrifying sacrifices heroes must make in real life. Alexander IS this show's gravitas, and he keeps us all level headed as the plot descends into madness."
Compendium

“… a deeply sorrowful and human performance. Hands twitching with anxiety, this beloved father communicates without histrionics that he's prepared to sacrifice everything for a cause he believes to be just."
City Pages

“... a visceral, somewhat brutish performance by Alexander as Kurt, a character who bears the scars of living up to his ideals. His heavy movements and his silences tell us as much about him as his words."
Star Tribune

"The highlight for me is Guthrie newbie Elijah Alexander, so lovely as Kurt, beautifully portraying the war-torn soldier's wounds as well as his strength. He's a hero to believe in."
Cherry & Spoon

Learn more about the play and watch the trailer in this previous blog post. 

Photos by Dan Norman

guthrie theater | watch on the rhine

This fall, Elijah will be at the Guthrie Theater in Minneapolis, MN, playing Kurt Muller in the political thriller, "Watch on the Rhine", Directed by Lisa Peterson.  The show will run at the Guthrie Theater September 30 – November 5,  2017. Tickets available here. 

This is a co-production with Berkeley Rep, and the show will re-open in Berkeley on December 4th, 2017 and run through mid January 2018.  Tickets will be available here. 

About the play:
"It’s 1940—and Fanny Farrelly, a wealthy matriarch living in Washington, DC, is about to learn it’s no longer the world she once knew. After spending 20 years abroad, Fanny’s daughter arrives home with her German husband, Kurt, an anti-fascist activist. When a houseguest and Nazi sympathizer threatens to turn Kurt in, the family discovers how far they’ll go to fight for what they believe—and for each other. Written in 1941 by activist playwright Lillian Hellman, Watch on the Rhine is a timely examination of moral obligation, sacrifice, and what it means to be American."

Read the full press release here. 

Reviews of 'The Real Thing' at Aurora Theatre

Elijah played 'Henry' in Tom Stoppard's Tony Award winning play "The Real Thing", which enjoyed a successful extended run at the Aurora Theatre Company in Berkeley, CA during February 2017.   

"Alexander makes the all-Henry-all-the-time show very worth watching… Alexander is chilling."
San Francisco Chronicle

"Alexander... looks like a cross between Mark Ruffalo and Freddie Mercury and acts like a cross between Jim Carrey and Christopher Hitchens.  He's a wry, cavorting, glorious jester. And whenever "The Real Thing" runs long or gets lost in itself, he pulls it back on course."
Edge Media Network 

"Elijah Alexander puts us right at home in Henry’s self-deprecating wit—we come to love him, as he tries to make all odds even."
Theatrius

"An admirable, yet endearing, performance by Elijah Alexander as the playwright Henry successfully compliments Stoppard’s masterful use of language."
Berkeleyside 

"In Alexander’s hands, Henry’s progression... is the evening’s highlight. Watching him, I can imagine the excitement caused by a similar journey taken by another fine actor, Jeremy Irons, in the play’s 1984 Broadway premiere."     
Pacific Sun

Elijah Named Ambassador for Project Coyote

Elijah is honored to have been named an Ambassador for Project Coyote, a wildlife advocacy organization based in Larkspur, California.   

He was introduced to Project Coyote after being selected to narrate the audiobook for Dan Flores’ New York Times Best Seller, Coyote America.   Flores was a guest of honor at Project Coyote’s recent holiday gala, where Elijah was asked to read from Dan’s book. 

Elijah has been a long time advocate for wolves, coyotes, and other animals in need of protection, and he invites you to support Project Coyote by visiting their website to learn more, and considering making a donation.

Bumpers for Ashland Independent Film Festival

Elijah and his little sidekick had fun starring in one of the bumpers for the 2016 Ashland Independent Film Festival, produced by Joma Films.  

ATC's "Disgraced" Honored with a MAC award

The Arizona Daily Star has given a 2015 "Mac Award" to the Arizona Theatre Company for their production of "Disgraced", in which Elijah played the role of Amir. 

"The Ayad Akhtar play was not only timely, it was provocative and poetic. And this production did what the best theater does: made us question our beliefs and assumptions ... Elijah Alexander was riveting as the volatile Amir ... "  [Kathleen Allen, Tucson.com / Arizona Daily Star]

REVIEWS OF 'DISGRACED' AT ATC / PHOENIX

In wake of Paris attacks, 'Disgraced' is theater that matters

Akhtar’s fearless script carries an incredible emotional and intellectual heft. And in a Phoenix-premiere production by Arizona Theatre Company, a powerhouse cast, led by Elijah Alexander as Amir, brings “Disgraced” to life with convincing edge-of-your-seat tension that builds relentlessly to a devastating climax …. 

.... At the center of it all is Alexander’s tour-de-force turn as Amir. Complex and conflicted, this character requires an actor who can walk a tightrope by earning the audience’s sympathy and then risking our wrath when he confronts us with uncomfortable truths.

Kerry Lengel, The Republic | azcentral.com

such is the relevancy of great theatre

All five performers are cast well, each flawlessly representing their type in a way we assume the author intended us to view them, but it’s Alexander’s portrayal of the conflicted Amir that stands out.

... I doubt whether any audience member at the Phoenix Herberger Centre opening performance of Disgraced was unaware of the horrific circumstances that occurred in Paris prior to the weekend ...  Such is the power of Disgraced, and more importantly, such is the relevancy of great theatre.

Valley Screen and Stage: David Appleford's Film and Theatre Reviews

'Disgraced' at the Herberger is not only good, but important

Ayad Akhtar’s Pulitzer-winner fresh off the Broadway stage explores the potential for prejudice in a variety of forms and contexts and provides a fully visceral visual representation of what can happen when conflicting ideas about race are forced into the open. And, quite honestly, I don’t think it could have been done any better ...

... The play brings up complex issues about race and culture that are important to examine at such a crucial moment in world history. This weekend, over 100 people died in France as victims of a religiously-motivated terrorist attack. On Monday, our state’s governor demanded that the flow of refugees into Arizona be stopped.  At a time like this, Akhtar’s play is crucially important to see. Especially when ATC’s production of it is so stinking good. 

Faith Miller, Downtown Devil / Curtain Critic

REVIEW OF 'DISGRACED' AT ATC / TUCSON

Photo by Tim Fuller / Arizona Theater Company

The Arizona Theater Company's production of Ayad Ahktar's 'Disgraced' opened this weekend to a warm reception in Tucson.  Read the Arizona Daily Star's review here.  

"Akhtar’s dialogue flows with rhythm and smarts and is delivered with nuance by a cast headed by Elijah Alexander as a tall, handsome and volatile Amir. He makes Amir’s frustration and rage palpable, but still allows the character to be sympathetic. "

The show runs in Tucson until November 7th, then moves to Phoenix until November 29th.  Tickets & Box Office information here.